Written by
Kristen Cramer
Edited by
Tara Farmer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
Cost to finish drywall
The average cost to finish drywall is$1.50 to $3.50 per square footfor labor and materials. The cost to tape and mud drywall is$0.35 to $1.10 per square footand is typically included with finishing. Finishing drywall in a 12' x 12' bedroom costs$580 to $1,800.
Texturing drywall costsanother$0.80 to $2.00 per square foot.
| Project | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| 5' x 8' Bathroom | $300 – $1,000 |
| 12' x 12' Bedroom | $580 – $1,800 |
| 12' x 20' Primary bedroom | $750 – $2,600 |
| 16' x 20' Living room | $850 – $3,100 |
| 20' x 20' Garage | $1,000 – $3,900 |
| 1,000 SF Basem*nt | $1,500 – $7,000 |
| 1,500 SF Whole house | $5,500 – $22,000 |
| 2,000 SF Whole house | $8,000 – $30,000 |
| 2,500 SF Whole house | $9,000 – $35,000 |
| 3,000 SF Whole house | $10,000 – $45,000 |
*Costs are based on the wall and ceiling surface square footage, not the square footage of the floor space.
Cost to tape, mud, and finish drywall per square foot
The following table shows the average cost to hang, tape, mud, and finish drywall per square foot.
| National average cost | $2.50 |
| Minimum cost | $1.00 |
| Maximum cost | $6.50 |
| Average cost range | $1.50 to $3.50 |
* Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
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Cost to tape and mud drywall
The average cost to tape and mud drywall is$0.35 to $1.10 per square foot, not including sanding or the final finish to prime the surface for paint. Taping and mudding drywall joints for a standard 12' x 12' bedroom costs$180 to $580.
Labor cost to finish drywall
The labor cost to finish drywall is$0.85 to $3.50 per square foot, depending on the finish level and room usage. There are five levels of drywall finish. Thelabor cost to hang and finish drywallis$1.50 to $3.50 per square footfor a standard level 3 to 5 finish.
| Level | Cost per square foot | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $0.85 – $1.90 | Drywall with no tape, mud, or finish |
| 1 | $1.15 – $2.15 | Concealed areas or attics |
| 2 | $1.30 – $2.60 | Storage areas or walls that will be covered in tile |
| 3 | $1.50 – $2.75 | Walls that will receive a medium to heavy texture |
| 4 | $1.70 – $3.20 | Walls that will receive a light texture or flat paint |
| 5 | $1.75 – $3.50 | Walls that will receive satin or glossy paint |
Level 0 drywall finish cost
Hanging drywall without finishing costs$0.85 to $1.90 per square foot. Drywall with a level 0 finish is hung with fasteners to the studs but not taped, mudded, or sanded. Level 0 is typically used only for temporary construction.
Level 1 drywall finish cost
A level 1 drywall finish costs$1.15 to $2.15 per square foot. Level 1 is used in concealed areas or attics and includes drywall tape embedded in joint compound with no additional mudding or sanding.
Level 2 drywall finish cost
A level 2 drywall finish costs$1.30 to $2.60 per square foot. A level 2 finish includes drywall tape with a thin coat of joint compound on the tape and drywall screw holes.
Level 2 drywall finish is common in warehouses, storage areas, or for walls that will be covered in tile.
Level 3 drywall finish cost
A level 3 drywall finish costs$1.50 to $2.75 per square foot. Level 3 is free of tool marks and ridges and is used on walls that will receive a medium to heavy texture. A level 3 finish includes one coat of drywall compound on the tape and two coats on the screw heads.
Level 4 drywall finish cost
A level 4 drywall finish costs$1.70 to $3.20 per square foot. A level 4 finish includes two coats of joint compound on the tape and three coats of mud on the screw holes.
Level 4 finish is recommended to prep walls for flat paint, a light texture, or a lightweight wall covering.
Level 5 drywall finish cost
A level 5 drywall finish costs$1.75 to $3.50 per square foot. A level 5 finish includes two coats of joint compound on the tape, three coats on the screw holes, and a skim coat over the entire surface.
Level 5 drywall finish is recommended to prep walls for satin or glossy paint.
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Drywall finishing FAQs
What is drywall tape?
Drywall tape is a sturdy paper or fiberglass tape that creates a strong bond and seals the joints between drywall sheets. The tape holds drywall mud in place and prevents the compound from sagging before it dries.
Paper tape is non-elastic, non-adhesive, and set with joint compound.
Fiberglass mesh tape is self-adhesive and sticks to the drywall before joint compound is applied.
Preformed tape is used for outside wall corner beads and comes in paper, plastic, or metal.
Most drywall installers recommend paper tape.
What is drywall mud?
Drywall mud is a gypsum paste used to strengthen and smooth sheetrock and joints. Drywall mud, also called joint compound, comes in pre-mixed and powdered forms. Powdered joint compound has a faster drying time.
How much drywall mud and tape do I need?
One gallon of ready-mix joint compound covers 100 square feet.
Five pounds of powdered joint compound cover 100 square feet.
Each 4' x 8' sheet of drywall requires 10 to 16 feet of joint tape. Drywalling a standard 12' x 12' bedroom requires 120 to 250 feet of tape.
How long does it take to finish drywall?
Finishing drywall takes2 to 3 daysafter hanging the sheets. Applying the joint tape and drywall mud is a quick process, but the mud must dry for at least 12 hours between each coat. Most projects require 2 to 3 coats of drywall mud and sanding.
Do you have to tape drywall seams and joints?
Taping drywall joints is crucial because it improves their strength and eliminates visible seams. Drywall mud applied without tape will warp or crack and fall out of the joints. Tape also provides a uniform surface, allowing for a smooth finish after joint compound is applied.
Can I finish drywall myself?
Fishing drywall yourself saves on labor costs, but an experienced contractor can create a smooth finish that does not show the seams between drywall panels. Small sheetrock patch jobs are ideal DIY projects, while larger drywall finishing jobs are best left to the pros.
Sheetrock pricesare$200 to $400to cover the walls and ceiling of a 12' x 12' bedroom (500 SF).
Practice on a hidden area like a closet wall before finishing the drywall in a highly visible location.
Tips for hiring a drywall finisher
Before hiring a drywall finisher ordrywall company near you, be sure to:
Get three to five in-person estimates to compare.
Look at their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Look for a drywall contractor who is a member of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry.
Ask for references and browse their portfolio of similar completed projects.
Select companies that are licensed, insured, bonded, and have been in business for at least five years.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Avoid choosing the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask drywall finishers
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Which level of drywall finish do you recommend for my project, and why?
Will you finish the drywall yourself or use a subcontractor?
How many people are on your crew, and what hours do they work?
Does the estimate include cleanup costs?
What other costs should I expect?
How long will the project take?
How do you handle damages that happen on the job?
